Minn. Police Chief Apologizes for Facebook Comments

A northern Minnesota police chief is facing disciplinary action for comments he made through social media.

Pike Bay Police Chief Zeb Hemsworth is apologizing for the comments he made on Facebook in response to a woman expressing her support for abortion rights.

"Officer Hemsworth apologizes for his recent Facebook posting and regrets the insensitivity of the words he chose to use," said Township Matt Erickson on behalf of the police chief.

Erickson said, "Township officials have investigated the allegations and it was confirmed the event took place while Officer Hemsworth was off-duty and with the use of his personal cell phone."

The woman, named Poisoned Ivy, commented on the Facebook thread, "Women have the right to chose what guns we want just like a man and we also have the right to choose if we want/need an abortion via Roe vs Wade. I assume that was the double meaning to this post."

Hemsworth commented back saying the woman was a "piece of s**t scum sucking baby killing b***h" and a "filthy swanky s**t."

A closed meeting was called Tuesday night to address the allegations.

"A department spokesperson acknowledges this is the only police violation Hemsworth has had with the department and he is still assigned to active duty. Any disciplinary measures necessary will be handled internally," said Erickson.

Erickson said Hemsworth will not lose his job. A message left for Hemsworth went unanswered Wednesday.

According to the city's website the department consists of four officers, including Hemsworth.

Pike Bay is located 20 miles southeast of Bemidji.

A screenshot obtained by KSTP.com shows a portion of the discussion containing the comment.